Viv Richards Stadium returns as international host

The ICC has approved the return of the Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua to international cricket after the announcement of general elections in Trinidad and Tobago forced a change in the schedule of the West Indies series against South Africa starting next month.

The two Twenty20s and the first two one-day internationals of the series were to be held at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad, but have now been switched to the Viv Richards Stadium.

The Antigua ground had been suspended from hosting international cricket by the ICC because of its unfit outfield which led to the cancellation of a Test between West Indies and England last year after just 10 deliveries. Since that fiasco, the ground has successfully hosted an Under-15 regional tournament and several first-class fixtures. The West Indies board said that the stadium had been inspected and cleared by the ICC to hold top-flight cricket.

"As per ICC instructions, over the past year, appropriate work was carried out and monitored by the WICB and an inspection of the ground was carried out by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC match referees," the ICC said in a statement.

South Africa take on West Indies in two Twenty20s, five ODIs and three Tests in a series which lasts from May 19 to June 30.